Bogu is the term for the armour as used in the Japanese martial art of kendo and otherwise known as kendogu, literally ‘kendo equipment’. It consists of a mask and breastplate, similar to those used by a catcher in baseball, though with a hood-like helmet and shoulder protectors attached to it, making it somewhat reminiscent of a coal hood or the monastic hood worn by certain Christian monks.

In addition, the combatants wear gauntlet-like hand and forearm protectors, as well as a skirt-like leg and groin protector. The bamboo sword is known as shinai and is used both for practice and in competition.